With so many clubs involved in social justice issues or extracurricular activities relevant to their interests or ambitions, sometimes it is nice to be a part of something with the sole purpose of socializing and relaxing. Enter The Society of Tea Drinkers, a club centered around drinking excellent tea and relaxing on the beautiful Landis Green on Sunday afternoons.

Founded six years ago by former FSU students Matthew Berning and Jon Coulter with the aim to create a group that pursued excellence in the art of drinking tea and tried to introduce high quality tea to people. After writing a lengthy club constitution and collecting a large amount of tea wares such as picnic blankets, cups, pots and kettles, the duo established a meeting time that has remained consistent throughout the years. 3:00 p.m. every Sunday under the big tree on Landis Green.

“We serve mostly loose leaf teas from Athena’s Garden, teas that our founders send us, and a few that members acquire travelling or donate personally,” said current President Jocelyn Reynolds.

“We try to expose our members to a lot of different types of tea and tea-drinking cultures,” Reynolds says.

Sponsored by the philosophy department, the club also has a focus on free conversations the group participates in during these tea ceremonies. This allows for an open atmosphere where discussions blend with being able to enjoy teas from all types of cultures.

The administrators of the club are always more than happy to boil water, bring tea wares, buy teas and serve them to anyone who simply is willing to offer their time and company. This is also a great way for people from all sorts of departments and backgrounds at FSU to come together and make friends with a common interest in a nice cup of hot tea.

A classy affair, The Society of Tea Drinkers offers an escape from the stresses of the world.(Photo: Courtesy of The Society of Tea Drinkers)

“It’s really quite sappy, but when I think of it, I’m not sure I would have had friends in college if it weren’t for tea,” said Reynolds.

“My great friend, Charlie Boyd, who is now the treasurer of the society, called me the second Sunday that I was at FSU as a freshman. He said to come downstairs and bring a mug. I was confused, but I felt welcomed immediately and made friends. It’s a great way for people to network with other types of people at the university. If not for the friendship, it’s also a great way to relax on Landis Green and procrastinate the work due Monday,” said Reynolds.

Although it is great to be a part of something that will further academic and professional careers or bring some benefits to our community, it is also nice to kick back, relax and enjoy a nice cup of hot tea.